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Underwood’s future hangs after Michigan’s Week 1 QB struggles

9/8/2026

29 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Underwood Hail-Mary

Coach Kyle Whittingham warned quarterback Bryce Underwood that his starting role is not infinite.
Underwood threw a 47-yard Hail Mary to JJ Buchanan after officials added one second, securing a 13-12 win on Sept. 5, 2026.
He posted a 52.9 QBR, the lowest among Big Ten starters in Week 1.
Michigan will host No. 10 Oklahoma on Sept. 12, 2026, a game that could decide Underwood’s future.

Summary

Officials Add

Whittingham called the added second “huge” because it directly enabled the game-winning Hail Mary.
Officials added one second to the clock during the play.
Many college football observers argued the clock addition violated standard timing rules.
Social media users flooded the platform with criticism of the officials’ decision to add a second.
The Western Michigan victory will be aired on Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff from the Big House.

Summary

Whittingham Praises

Coach Jim Whittingham praised Michigan’s offensive line after three film reviews, noting improvement over first impressions.
He urged the team to run more violently with a north-south rushing approach.
Penalties erased several big runs, contributing to Michigan’s limited offensive output.
Michigan allowed only one sack and recorded five missed tackles against Western Michigan.
Special-teams mishap saw Andrew Marsh fumble, adding to turnover woes.

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Underwood Hail-Mary

Coach Kyle Whittingham warned quarterback Bryce Underwood that his starting role is not infinite.
Underwood threw a 47-yard Hail Mary to JJ Buchanan after officials added one second, securing a 13-12 win on Sept. 5, 2026.
He posted a 52.9 QBR, the lowest among Big Ten starters in Week 1.
Michigan will host No. 10 Oklahoma on Sept. 12, 2026, a game that could decide Underwood’s future.

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